TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Troubleshooting: Slow Speeds by Checking for Ethernet NIC
► Summary:
This article provides information on troubleshooting slow speeds by checking for an Ethernet NIC.
► Symptoms
Customer is able to get on line, but has slow download speeds. Web pages open slowly, and the
customer has a slow transfer rate when downloading a file.
► Cause
Most computers are designed to handle Suddenlink High Speed Internet Preferred and Premier speeds.
However, some older models have Network Interface Cards (NIC) that are unable to transfer the higher
throughput.
USB connections are frequently used for peripheral devices such as keyboard, mouse, scanner, and
printer. Everything using USB shares the same bandwidth, causing a competition for speed.
► Solution
For the best experience, use an Ethernet connection, not USB, to connect a single PC to Suddenlink
High Speed Internet service. This will improve both Internet speed and the performance of peripheral
devices.
Ethernet is the connection that looks like a large telephone cord, because it has a wider plug and eight
wires in the cable instead of four. Ethernet is the most standard way of networking computers,
especially in office environments.
There are several versions of Ethernet, the most common in a home environment being 10 Base T and
100 Base T. 10 Base T has a maximum bandwidth of 10 MBPS and 100 Base T has 100 MBPS of
bandwidth. (100 Base T has sometimes been called "Fast Ethernet".)
How to check the NIC on a PC running Windows XP or Windows 2000
1. From the desktop, right click My Computer and click Properties.
2. On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.
3. Click the plus sign next to Network Adapters and right click the NIC.
4. Click Properties.
5. On the Advanced tab, click Media Type.
6. Place a checkmark in the Value: box drop down menu.
7. Select 100MBPS/Full Duplex. (It may also be 100BaseT or Full Duplex.)
How to check the NIC on a PC running Windows 98 or Windows ME
1. From the desktop, right click My Computer and click Properties.
2. On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.
3. Click the plus sign next to Network Adapters and right click the NIC.
4. Click Properties. The software should show if the NIC is a basic NIC or a 10/100Mbps NIC. In
addition, there will be no Advanced Tab to select or change the NIC operational mode.
► Applies To
·
Network Card Installation
·
Modem Installation
·
USB
·
Ethernet
